Title

Author

Date of Award

1995

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Price, Trevor,

Keywords

Political Science, Public Administration.

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Abstract

This thesis examined Ontario's bicycle transportation policy. An attempt was made to understand why bicycle transportation is receiving attention and what conditions--political and practical--are necessary to increase bicycle use in Ontario's urban centres. Using the Netherlands as a policy model, the political factors driving bicycle transportation were identified as well as the practical components to increase bicycle travel. In the broader policy environment, substantive policy measures are motivated by a political necessity to limit automobile use, while supporting transportation alternatives. As policy is an important determinant of mode choice, bicycle transportation must be supported by pro-active policy. In addition, bicycle users must have effective interest group representation to ensure their needs are safeguarded and that they have access to the decision-making process. Applying this model to Ontario, it was determined that there are serious problems with the auto-centred system. Environmental stress and social costs have created a policy environment amenable to consideration of transportation alternatives. However, the economic and political clout of the automotive industry, the entrenched position of roads policy, and the general disdain for anti-automobile initiatives are formidable obstacles to any fundamental redirection of urban transportation policy. As automobile use increases, it is likely to reach a politically unacceptable level. At this time, transportation alternatives will receive serious consideration. While the bicycle is presently relegated to the fringe of transportation options, bicycle interest groups are in place to promote bicycle transportation and the provincial government now officially accepts the bicycle as a transportation mode. With Dutch experience as a guide, the bicycle can fulfil a valuable role in a multi-modal urban transportation system.Dept. of History, Philosophy, and Political Science. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1995 .D86. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 34-06, page: 2232. Adviser: Trevor Price. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1995.